Sam Rasoul is the right choice for the 6th District

For the first time in many years, 6th District voters have a real choice in the congressional race. I support Democrat Sam Rasoul, and here’s why:

He is a smart, energetic candidate running against Bob Goodlatte, an entrenched incumbent who receives the bulk of his campaign contributions from Political Action Committees and special interests. Sam takes contributions only from individuals, many of whom don’t even show up on federal election reports because their contributions are small. Sam has pledged not to take contributions from PACs as part of his effort to reform the way Congress works. Sam will represent the people, not corporations.

Sam is a small business owner whose family moved to the area when he was 3 and, like Gov. Mark Warner, Sam is a fiscal conservative. He will fight against the massive deficits of the Bush administration that Goodlatte has so readily supported. Sam has already prepared his first bill to introduce into Congress: the Earmark Eradication Act of 2009. That’s genuine reform.

Goodlatte in 1992 promised he would quit after six terms. He has shamefully broken that promise repeatedly. Sixth District voters should hold him to his word. Sam promises to step down after five terms and I believe him.

Goodlatte voted with the Bush administration 95 percent of the time, contributing to the current economic and security crises we face. We should be grateful to see Bush leave office – and Goodlatte should leave with him.

Goodlatte’s mantra about oil drilling is a meaningless gimmick. Drilling begun today would only show results many years later and even then would have a negligible impact on energy prices. Sam Rasoul has proposed sweeping green initiatives that will not only create energy independence but also “green collar jobs” here in Virginia.

Since he’s the captive of PACs, lobbyists and special interests, how can Goodlatte even pretend to represent the interests of the people in the district?

Vote for Sam Rasoul on Nov. 4.

Clifford Garstang

Staunton